"Our community works hard to protect its rural and wild character. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been a big help in doing that. America benefits when it invests in clean water, productive land and wildlife habitat. I support full funding of the LWCF. It's a small investment with a very big dividend."

177 acre Martin Meadows, near the Kirkwood Ski Area, Sold to Forest Service

The Trust for Public Land bought the property and sold it to the Forest Service for $1.12 million. The money came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the federal government's main source of money to protect land. LWCF money comes from fees paid by oil companies to drill for oil and gas offshore.

The Trust for Public Land and the U.S. Forest Service announced that 177 acres of land near the Kirkwood Ski Area will be protected by adding it to the Eldorado National Forest. The Martin Meadows parcel fronts on Highway 88 just east of Silver Lake providing gorgeous scenery along the route.

"The Trust for Public Land has been conserving the spectacular landscapes of the northern Sierra Nevada almost since our founding here in California 40 years ago this year, and this project is a great example of why," said California State Director Sam Hodder.

The national forest around Martin Meadows is popular with hikers, campers, cross-country skiers, and hunters.

"The Martin Meadows parcel has tremendous resource values," said Amador District Ranger Rick Hopson. "The acquisition of the Martin Meadows parcel adds 80 acres of key meadow and riparian features in the watershed - including 30 acres of healthy aspen stands - into public ownership. This addition provides important forage and nesting habitat for wildlife, protects the land from development, and allows for a consistent management approach to the area."

The Trust for Public Land bought the property and sold it to the Forest Service for $1.12 million. The money came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the federal government's main source of money to protect land. LWCF money comes from fees paid by oil companies to drill for oil and gas offshore.

U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and U.S. Congressman Dan Lungren, R- Gold River, support LWCF and the effort to protect this land.

"The addition of Martin Meadow to the Eldorado National Forest is great news," said Feinstein. "Not only does this acquisition provide the public access to some of the Sierra Nevada's most beautiful aspen groves, it also protects meadows essential to preserving healthy watersheds that provide drinking water to downstream users. I applaud the Trust for Public Land and the Forest Service for their continuing efforts to preserve the Sierra Nevada's pristine landscapes."

"The Martin Meadow are a spectacular example of California's natural beauty, and I am so pleased that they will be protected for future generations to enjoy," Boxer said. "This is yet another example of how the Land and Water Conservation Fund protects our natural resources, ensures clean drinking water for our families and increases recreational opportunities for all Americans."